St h ’s U ited Church f Christ EIGHTEE TH SU DAY AFTER PE TEC ST Rev Pau#a $ Gustafs –Past r The Service& 10&00 a ) ct ber 12, 2014 (/et us be si#e t a d prayerfu# as we prepare urse#ves f r w rship ) Prelude Sharing of Announcements and Joys & Concerns *Passing of Peace *Gathering Words - We gather today to bring God praise and hear God’s word. It is our opportunity to find strength and courage to face the day and prepare for the week ahead. There are many ways we may experience God’s presence today. We may know this presence through words, prayers, hymns, offering, our children, an anthem and through one another’s gifts that we all have received to share. It is a gift that we are called to worship this day. *Hymn #593 “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Opening Prayer: There are special times in our lives that lead us to prayer. It may be when we feel far from God or when we are so joyful, it overflows from us. Today, we pray that Jesus is with us through our challenges. Let us pray together: (Together) O God, we look for your forgiveness for all that we have done that is wrong. We ask that in the midst of our lives, we forget to look to You. We often turn and look away from those who make us uncomfortable. We try to keep focused on our own self-satisfaction when there are those around us in need. Prepare us to be your witnesses in our part of the world where all are welcomed. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen. Let us continue to pray in the words that Jesus taught us: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. *Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into Heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The Holy Scripture Reader: Doty Noyce Exodus 32:1-14 (page 63 in pew bible) (page 137 in large print bible) Matthew 22:1-14 (page 699 in pew bible) (page 1534 in large print bible) Anthem –– “Praise Him, Praise Him!” – arr. Patti Drennan Children’s Chat Hymn #606 “Nearer, My God, to You” Sermon “Who Deserves to Come to the Party?” Prayers of Intercession Offering and Offertory *Offertory Response No. 780 “The Doxology” Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. * Prayer of Dedication (together) Praise you, O God of joyful giving. Praise you for all that you have made and given, that we might have life and have it more abundantly. You did not guard your sovereignty but risked it in covenant with the world. You did not treasure your own self-sufficiency but emptied yourself in your Son that we might have eternal joy and peace. Help us now to be more like you and open ourselves to joyful gratitude and extravagant generosity. And magnify our gifts that they might bring our neighbors and us closer to you. Amen. *Hymn #55 “Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart” *Benediction * Postlude *All who are able may stand. Readings for the week of September 28, 2014 Day of the Week Morning Reading Afternoon Reading Mon. 10/13/14 Tues. 10/14/14 Wed. 10/15/14 Thurs. 10/16/14 Fri. 10/17/14 Sat. 10/18/14 Ps. 1, 2, 3 Ps. 4, 7 Micah 7:1-7 7 Ps. 5, 6 Jonah 1:1-17 17 Ps. 119:1-24 24 Jonah 1:17--2:10 Ps. 18:1-20 20 Jonah 3:1-4:11 4:11 Ps. 16, 17 Ecclus. 1:1--10,18-27 Ps: 20, 21:1-7 21:1 Ecclus. 3:17-31 3:17 Acts 26:1-23 Ps. 10, 11 Acts 26:24-27 Ps. 12, 13, 14 Acts 27:9-26 Ps. 18:21-50 Acts 27:27-44 Ps. 22 Acts 28:1-16 Ps. 110:1-5, 116,117 Acts 28:17-31 Evening Reading Luke 8:26 8:26-39 Luke 8:40 8:40-56 Luke 9:1 9:1-17 Luke 9:18 9:18-27 Luke 9:28 9:28-36 Luke 9:37 9:37-50 THE UTWARD SIG S Atte da ce – October 05,, 20 2014 – 71 If Jesus tried to feed the 5000 today… St. John’s United Church of Christ 1050 Buffalo Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 - (570) 524-7606 7606 or (570) 523 523-0162 Fax: 570-524-0468 Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:300 a.m. Office: Mon. Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. www.stjohnslewisburg.org [email protected] A QUIET R $ for adults and one for children are available wheree the service can be seen and heard. Ph ic Ear Heari g U its avai ab e . . . wherever y u sit LARGE PRINT BULLETINS & BIBLES AVAILABLE . . . ASK AN USHER BU//ETI SP S R CHA CE/ F/ WER SP S R HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAVE ! Fr ) y ur fa)i#y, we # ve y u! $ day, ct 13 Tuesday ct 14 Wed esday, Thursday Friday, ct 15 ct 16 ct 17 12:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 08:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 06:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 6&00 p ) 7&00 p ) Lewisburg Garden Club (FH) Susquehanna Valley Children’s Choral (Ch.rm, Narth, Sanct.) Soccer (EAST field) BVS rehearsal (FH) State Health Clinic (CR) ALANON (CR) Soccer (East field) NORTHWEST PARKING LOT IN USE Weight Watchers Soccer (East field) BE// CH IR REHEARSA/ (SA CT ) CHA CE/ CH IR (CH R$) 09:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. TOPS (CR) 5:30 p.m. Soccer (East field) 6:00 p.m. 7&00 p ). H.O.P. Women’s Barbershop (CH.RM) C SIST RY 09:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Music is the Balm (FH) Soccer (East field) Saturday, ct 18 Su day, ct 19 10&00 a ) 11&00 a ) CHI/DRE ’S SABBATH W RSHIP SU DAY SCH / It is a privilege to serve you . . . Rev. Paula M. Gustafson, Pastor Rev. James E. Johnson, Pastor Emeritus Todd R. Hummel, Dir. of Music/Organist Rita Griffith, Choral & Bell Choir Director Amy Harris, Nursery , Greeters Russ Richard, Sound Technician Todd Hummel, Administrative Assistant Angie Donlin, Children’s church Gaven Renn, Acolyte Barry Catherman, Video Technician MISSION STATEMENT OF ST. JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Remembering that God calls us through Christ to be ministers with each other, St. John’s United Church of Christ, as inspired and directed by the Holy Spirit seeks: To be inclusive and accessible to all people, To provide loving service to all of God’s people through mission and ministry, To strive for righteousness, justice, and peace. St. John’s is pleased you have joined with us today. We hope that you have found this time both a blessing and a renewal. Please sign the attendance board (and include your complete mailing address/telephone number) as it is passed down the pew and introduce yourself to the person receiving the attendance board. If you are looking for a new church family of faith and would like to consider St. John’s, please speak with the pastor or the ushers following worship. Need a ride to church services or events at St. John’s UCC? Arrangements will be made for we want everyone to be able to attend and participate in events held at the church. Contact Ron Zug at 523-3987. Hospital Stays – If you are hospitalized, and would like to notify the pastor, it is important that you (or a family member) inform the church office. Call us at 524-7606. Name Tags – Please remember to wear your name tags while you are at church. Please keep it on when we have our fellowship hour. If you don’t have a name tag, let the church office know and we will see that one is made for you. Opportunities and Concerns – October 12, 2014 This Sunday, October 12, 2014 – EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 10:00 a.m. Worship Service, Children’s Church, Nursery 11:00 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL 3:00 p.m. LAY MINISTRY TEAM (FH) Next Sunday, October 19, 2014 – NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 10:00 a.m. CHILDREN’S SABBATH Worship Service, Nursery 11:00 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL Prayer for Healing Loving God, we commend to your gracious care those who face pain or disease. Give them the special courage that such a situation requires. May they realize how much their patience and cheerfulness can influence others for good. Strengthen them when they are weak and low in spirit and help them to see beyond their present pain to a future with hope. Bless, we pray, all those on our prayer list and each of us with your healing Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Prayer List – Lucille Barchet, Ann Beasom, Sid & Jean Bowersox, Alverda Brouse, Carrie Brouse, Ruth & Fred Brouse, Peg Brouse, Marilyn Correll, Leona Fertig, Pearl Fisher, Bill & Lola Fuller, Bob & Lou Goff, Arminta Gustafson, Betty Hackenberg, Deb Hassenplug, Louise Heistand, Lois & Richard Hummel, Elaine Klingler, Don Murray, Christine Sartwell, Brenda (Pardoe) Scholl, The Whitebread Family, Ella Wise. Contact the church office with updates regarding the prayer list. WELCOME – please extend a warm welcome to our guest organist Judy Blee. Judy is no stranger to St. John’s! Thanks to Judy for sharing her talents in our worship service today. CHILDREN’S SABBATH - Sunday, October 19th marks the 23rd annual observance of Children's Sabbath. We will join hundreds of churches, synagogues, mosques, and other interfaith communities in focusing our worship service on justice for children. Our pledge will be to give every child a healthy, fair, and safe start in life. This year we have included a small devotional that you will start reading on Sunday, October 12th to help prepare you for this special service. The children and families of St John's will lead us through our time of worship. Please join us and invite your friends and their children to worship with us here at St John's. TRUNK OR TREAT - St John's annual TRUNK OR TREAT will be held on Sunday, October 26th, 2014 from 45:30 PM. in the East parking lot. Last year we had a great turnout. Bring your car, decorate your trunk, and hand out candy to the children. We usually have around 60 children or more. This provides a safe place for the children of the community to enjoy Halloween. There will be games, crafts, and food. We need everyone's help and participation to make this happen. The safety of our children is the main focus. Of course this is more fun with lots of cars. Donations of wrapped candy can be brought to the room across from the office. For more information or to help organize this event please contact Linda Williams @ 524-4039. 50 YEAR MEMBER/OVER 80 CELEBRATION – once again, St. John’s will honor/celebrate 50 year members and those Saints 80 and older on Sunday, October 26th, 2014. A pot-luck dinner will be held following the worship service.